Your first time controlling a passenger van will not be a difficult experience, but there will be some different things to consider. Cargo and passenger vans are not designed like your sedan, pick-up, SUV, or sports car. They are long, tall, heavy, and do not handle the way normal vehicles do. Read on for 4 tips on driving safely in your rent-a-van.

This doesn't mean you should hesitate from using a van rental to take a family trip. These people-haulin' and cargo-carryin' super vehicles make taking family and group trips a breeze. These 4 tips will help you maintain a smooth sailing ship on the next vacation.

1. Don't Get the "False Sense of Security" MindsetDrivers and passengers of large vans, often have a tendency to get a false sense of security when traveling in such a big vehicle. Don't fall into this frame of thinking. Instead, make sure all passengers remain with their seatbelt buckled and that all cargo and luggage is properly secured. Unsecured passengers and cargo can be dangerous and costly.

2. Mirrors are Your Best FriendsLarge vans, especially passenger vans, have much larger blind spots. What's more, if the van is loaded up with people and cargo, the rearview mirror may be rendered completely useless. Utilizing your sideview mirrors will give you an added knowledge of what's around you and could prevent injuries and expensive damages.

Adjust your mirrors properly. If you can see the majority or a big part of your rent-a-van, that means the sideview mirrors are not in the right position. Adjust them, so you can see more of the road, instead of the van.

3. A Lesson in ParkingParking your rental van is basically the same as parking a regular vehicle, except it's obviously much larger. That being said, be extra aware of your surroundings, especially if children are around. Backing into parking spaces can make things much easier when pulling back out. However, unless your van rental is equipped with back-up cameras, it would be wise to have someone else stand behind to guide you. If you're alone, simply take your time while parking and get out a time or two to check your progress.

**When entering parking garages, always pay attention to the height sign on your way in, and know the height of your van.

4. Other Things to ConsiderRemember, your van rental, especially when loaded down with cargo and passengers, will not handle like a regular car. What's more, a vehicle that heavy will take longer to stop, so don't follow closely behind people and always pay attention to what the traffic's doing, ahead.

Vans are also much longer than regular vehicles, therefore the turning radius will be wider, especially on right-hand turns. Be aware of curbs and corners when turning right in your passenger van.

When you rent a van, simply take it slow, be aware at all times, use safety, and enjoy the ride.

My family is planning a big reunion this year. We have been considering renting a few 15 passenger vans to help make transportation easier. So, I liked that you talked about how backing into a stall could make pulling out a lot easier.

I appreciate that you provided tips on how to promote safety travels in a rented van. I like when you said to adjust the side mirrors properly to avoid blind spots on the side and back of the road while travelling. My friends and I will be travelling to the mountains in a couple of months and are looking to rent a van to accommodate a party of 10. I'll will certainly consider what you shared here for me and my friends' safety. Thank you for these!